Arshad Warsi, known for his candid and straightforward opinions, has delivered a brutally honest review of Kalki 2898 AD, one of the most talked-about films of the year. In a recent podcast interview with Samdish Bhatia, Arshad spoke at length about his life, career, and the latest films he’s watched. When the conversation turned to Kalki 2898 AD, he did not hold back in expressing his disappointment.
Arshad began by acknowledging the undeniable star power of Amitabh Bachchan, who is one of the lead actors in the film. He remarked, “Maine Kalki dekhi, mujhe toh nhi acchi lagi. Mujhe bahut takleef hoti hai jab… Amit ji was (mind-blown sounds) unbelievable. I can’t understand that man. I swear if we got the power he has, life ban jaae. He’s unreal.” However, his praise for Bachchan was quickly overshadowed by his harsh critique of the movie’s overall execution.
Particularly scathing was his take on Prabhas’s performance, which he found disappointing. Arshad expressed his frustration, saying, “Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he… he was like a joker. Why? I want to see a Mad Max. I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana dia yaar. Kyu karte ho aisa mujhe nahi samajh mein aata.” His words reflect a deep disappointment in the film, which he had hoped would deliver a gripping dystopian narrative akin to Mad Max.
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, features an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and a host of South Indian stars in special appearances. The film is a dystopian sci-fi tale inspired by the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and despite Arshad’s criticism, it has managed to rake in ₹1100 crore at the worldwide box office.
During the podcast, Arshad also shared his thoughts on other recent films. He praised Rajkummar Rao’s performance in Shrikant and expressed his eagerness to watch Munjya and Kill.
Arshad Warsi, who has been a beloved figure in the film industry since his debut in 1996 with Tere Mere Sapne, continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances. He shot to fame with his role as “Circuit” in the Munna Bhai series and has since showcased his talent across various genres, from the comedy hits like the Dhamaal and Golmaal series to serious roles in films like Sehar and Jolly LLB. Most recently, he has appeared in web series such as Asur and Modern Love Mumbai and is set to star alongside Akshay Kumar in the highly anticipated Jolly LLB 3.
